Cable fixation devices and arrangements with improved installation and space utilization at telecommunications enclosures

ABSTRACT

Devices, arrangements and methods for fixing telecommunications cables relative to a telecommunications closure. Features of the devices and arrangements can make more efficient use of an interior closure volume and enhance a closure&#39;s capabilities with respect to handling different types of telecommunications cables and optical fiber routing schemes.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is being filed on Feb. 11, 2021 as a PCT InternationalPatent Application and claims the benefit of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 62/972,864, filed on Feb. 11, 2020, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to telecommunications enclosures, andmore particularly to devices and arrangements for fixing portions oftelecommunications cables to telecommunications enclosures.

BACKGROUND

Telecommunications systems typically employ a network oftelecommunications cables capable of transmitting large volumes of dataand voice signals over relatively long distances. Telecommunicationscables can include fiber optic cables, electrical cables, orcombinations of electrical and fiber optic cables. A typicaltelecommunications network also includes a plurality oftelecommunications enclosures integrated throughout the network oftelecommunications cables. The telecommunications enclosures or“closures” are adapted to house and protect telecommunicationscomponents such as splices, termination panels, power splitters, wavedivision multiplexers, fiber management trays, cable organizing androuting components, etc.

It is often preferred for telecommunications enclosures to bere-enterable. The term “re-enterable” means that the telecommunicationsenclosures can be reopened to allow access to the telecommunicationscomponents housed therein without requiring the removal and destructionof the telecommunications enclosures. For example, certaintelecommunications enclosures can include separate access panels thatcan be opened to access the interiors of the enclosures, and then closedto reseal the enclosures. Other telecommunications enclosures take theform of elongated sleeves formed by wrap around covers or half-shellshaving longitudinal edges that are joined by clamps or other retainers.Still other telecommunications enclosures include two half-pieces thatare joined together through clamps, wedges or other structures.

In certain applications, the enclosure/housing needs to be water andcontaminant (e.g., dust) proof or water-resistant. In particular, water,moisture, cleaning fluids, dust etc., present at the exterior of thehousing/enclosure should be prevented by the housing/enclosure fromreaching components within the interior of the enclosure/housing. Toprovide such protection, enclosures can include a seal (e.g., a gelseal) around the perimeter of the enclosure or portions of the perimeterof the enclosure. One or more sealing blocks (e.g., gel blocks) housedin one of the housing pieces can be compressed against correspondingsealing blocks in another housing piece to form a seal therebetween. Toaccommodate cables or entering the enclosure through ports in theenclosure wall, corresponding sealing blocks positioned at the portlocations of the enclosure can include sealing blocks that define cablepassages such that the sealing blocks can be compressed around the cableforming a seal.

Typically, cables entering telecommunications enclosures must be fixedin place inside the enclosure. Within the closure, and depending on thetype of cable, protective components of the cable, such as a jacket, abuffer tube, strength members, etc., are stripped, truncated, orremoved, allowing the optical fibers held by the cable to be managedwithin the closure.

SUMMARY

In general terms, the present disclosure is directed to improvements inthe fixation of cables at telecommunications closures.

Devices and arrangements according to the present disclosure canincrease fiber management capabilities at a telecommunications closurehaving a given external profile.

Fiber management capabilities can include the number of fibers that canbe managed at the telecommunications closure, as well as the types ofcables managed at the telecommunications closure.

A given telecommunications closure is configured to route fibers fromone or more provider side telecommunications cables to one or moresubscriber side telecommunications cables. The cables enter the closure,typically through sealed ports defined by the closure, and the fibers ofthose cables are then managed within the interior volume of the closureby a technician. Fiber management can include, for example, fiberstorage (typically in loops or portions of loops), splicing, splitting,wave division multiplexing, indexing, and so forth.

The particular fiber management needs for a given closure can changeover time, requiring cables and cable fixation components to be swappedfor others.

A given telecommunications closure can support one or more of: feedercables, branch cables, connectorized and non-connectorized drop (ordistribution) cables, loose fibers, fiber ribbons, etc. Some cables thatenter a telecommunications closure include rigid strength rods that mustbe fixed relative to the closure. Some cables that enter atelecommunications closure include strength yarn, e.g., made from aramidfibers, that must be fixed relative to the closure. Some fibers arespliced to other fibers at splices that are supported within theclosure. The optical fibers of connectorized drop cables are terminatedat optical fiber connectors. The connectors at some drop cables can beconnected to other connectorized fibers at panels (or banks) of adaptersmounted within the closure.

The portions of the cables that enter the closure through the closureports are typically jacketed with outer protective jackets. Seal blockspositioned at the cable ports seal around the outer jackets of thecables. For feeder and drop cables, the bare fibers are exposed withinthe closure by stripping the outer jacket, and a remaining end portionof the outer jacket is fixed to cable fixation assemblies within theclosure. Exposed aramid yarn and/or rigid strength rods of such cablesare also anchored within the closure, often to the same cable fixationassembly as the outer jacket. Fixation of cables and strength membersrelative to the closure can help to avoid fiber breakage and disruptionof the closure seal due to lateral loads on the cables.

For connectorized cables (such as cables connectorized with LC-formfactor, SC-form factor, MPO-form factor, or other form factorconnectors), in some examples the outer jacket will be continuous allthe way to the connector such that there is no need to anchor strengthyarn with respect to the closure. To minimize the amount of space neededto assemble a panel of connectorized cables within a closure, it can bedesirable to minimize the amount of cable slack that is stored withinthe closure. However, reducing the amount of slack of the drop cablescan make it more challenging to fix the outer jackets of the drop cablesrelative to the closure. Aspects of the present disclosure relate todevices that facilitate fixation of connectorized drop cables after theyhave been connected to an adapter panel or parking panel supported by aclosure. A parking panel is a bank of adapter like structures thatreceive fiber optic connectors for storage but do not include structuresfor optically connecting the connectors to other connectors. The parkedconnectors are stored at the parking panel it they are needed for activesignal connections.

Different regions of a closure volume can be set up for different typesof cable fixation and fiber management. For example, a closure caninclude a main support structure that can support feeder cable fixationon one side of the structure and connectorized and non-connectorizeddrop cables on the opposite side.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to features of a main supportstructure of a telecommunications closure that can enhance the supportstructure's versatility in handling different types of cables and cablefixations.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to cable fixation assembliesand components with improved features that enhance versatility and helpto maximize available space within a telecommunications closure, therebyallowing the overall external profile of a given closure to be reducedin size.

The contents of International PCT Publication No. WO2020/154418 filedJan. 22, 2020 and International Publication No. WO2019/160995 filed Feb.13, 2019 are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

In accordance with certain specific aspects of the present disclosure, acable fixation assembly, comprises: a first cable fixation bodymountable at a first cable entry opening defined by a main supportstructure of a telecommunications closure, the first cable fixation bodyincluding a first cable support wall and a first mounting member; and asecond cable fixation body couplable to the mounting member, the secondcable fixation body including a second cable support wall, wherein whenthe first cable fixation body is coupled to the main support structureand the second cable fixation body is coupled to the first mountingmember of the first cable fixation body, the first and second cablesupport walls are positioned to support a pair of cables passing throughthe first cable entry opening in a vertically offset arrangement.

In accordance with further aspects of the present disclosure, cablefixation assembly, comprises: a main support structure configured to bepositioned within an interior volume of a telecommunications closure,the main support structure extending from a proximal end to a distal endalong a first axis, from a first side to a second side along a secondaxis perpendicular to the first axis, and from a top to a bottom along avertical axis that is perpendicular to the first and the second axes,the first and second axes defining a horizontal plane, the main supportstructure including a wall dividing the main support structure into anupper region above an upper horizontal surface of the wall and a lowerregion below a lower horizontal surface of the wall, the upperhorizontal surface facing upward and the lower horizontal surface facingdownward, the upper horizontal surface defining a first cable fixationarea of the upper region, the lower horizontal surface defining a secondcable fixation area of the lower region, wherein the upper horizontalsurface is configured to lockingly mount a slotted base platesubassembly, the slotted base plate subassembly configured to lockinglymount one or more first cable fixation bodies; and wherein the lowerhorizontal surface is configured to lockingly mount one or more secondcable fixation bodies configured differently from the first cablefixation bodies.

In accordance with further aspects of the present disclosure, base plateassembly for mounting one or more cable fixation bodies, the base plateassembly extending from a proximal end to a distal end along a firstaxis, from a first side to a second side along a second axisperpendicular to the first axis, and from a top to a bottom along avertical axis that is perpendicular to the first and the second axes,the first and second axes defining a horizontal plane, the base plateassembly comprising: a plate member including a plurality of throughslots for receiving hooked members of a cable fixation body, the platemember further defining a cavity; a spring element coupled to the platemember that cooperates with one of the through slots to lock the hookedmembers to the plate member; a proximally positioned foot member and adistally positioned foot member a bar spanning a dimension of thecavity; and a clip having a pair of clip arms, the clip configured tosnappingly engage the bar such that at least one of the clip armsextends below the bar and below a bottom surface of the plate member.

According to further aspects of the present disclosure, a cable fixationbody extending from a proximal end to a distal end along a first axis,from a first side to a second side along a second axis perpendicular tothe first axis, and from a top to a bottom along a vertical axis that isperpendicular to the first and the second axes, the first and secondaxes defining a horizontal plane, the cable fixation body comprises: amain body defining a cable support surface and including a cable jacketfixation portion and a strength member fixation portion, the cablejacket fixation portion being configured to couple to a cable jacketclamp; a first foot member positioned at a proximal-most end of the mainbody; and a second foot member positioned distally from the first footmember, wherein the main body defines a fin slot open at the top of themain body and extending downwardly from the top of the main body.

According to further aspects of the present disclosure, an assemblycomprises: a cable fixation body extending from a proximal end to adistal end along a first axis, from a first side to a second side alonga second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and from a top to abottom along a vertical axis that is perpendicular to the first and thesecond axes, the first and second axes defining a horizontal plane,including: a main body defining a cable support surface and including acable jacket fixation portion and a strength member fixation portion,the cable jacket fixation portion being configured to couple to a cablejacket clamp, the main body defining a pair of tracks on either side ofa recess, the tracks and the recess being elongate parallel to thesecond axis; and a strength member fixation subassembly including: afirst strength member clamp body configured to couple to and slide alongthe tracks to adjust a position of the strength member fixationsubassembly relative to the second axis; a second strength member clampbody including a press pin; and a press plate, the first and secondstrength member clamp bodies and the press plate configured to cooperateto press a strength member of a fiber optic cable between the firststrength member clamp body and the press plate with the press pinpressing the press plate toward the first strength member clamp body.

According to further aspects of the present disclosure, an assemblycomprises: a cable fixation body extending from a proximal end to adistal end along a first axis, from a first side to a second side alonga second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and from a top to abottom along a vertical axis that is perpendicular to the first and thesecond axes, the first and second axes defining a horizontal plane,including: a main body defining a cable support surface and including acable jacket fixation portion and a strength member fixation portion,the cable jacket fixation portion being configured to couple to a cablejacket clamp; and a strength member fixation subassembly including: afirst strength member clamp body including a ramp inclined downward asthe ramp extends distally, and a first clamp surface positioned belowthe ramp; and a second strength member clamp body including a secondclamp surface, the second strength member clamp body being configured tocouple to and slide distally down the ramp to press a strength member ofa fiber optic cable between the first and second clamp surfaces.

According to further aspects of the present disclosure, an assemblycomprises: a cable fixation body extending from a proximal end to adistal end along a first axis, from a first side to a second side alonga second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and from a top to abottom along a vertical axis that is perpendicular to the first and thesecond axes, the first and second axes defining a horizontal plane,including: a main body defining a cable support surface and including acable jacket fixation portion and a strength member fixation portion,the cable jacket fixation portion being configured to couple to a cablejacket clamp; and a strength member fixation subassembly including: astrength member clamp body configured to adjustably couple to the mainbody.

According to further aspects of the present disclosure, a base plateassembly for mounting one or more cable fixation bodies, comprises: aplate member defining a plurality of through slots configured to receivehooked members of a cable fixation body; a spring element positioned inone of the through slots configured to cooperate with the one of thethrough slots to lock the hooked members to the plate member; and a stopwall positioned in the one of the through slots to inhibit flexion ofthe spring element.

According to further aspects of the present disclosure, a cable fixationassembly, comprises: a cable fixation body, including: a jacket clampportion; and an arrangement of at least three posts for winding strengthyarn of a cable, each of the posts projecting from a fixed end of thepost to a free end of the post, the at least three posts projecting totheir free ends in mutually different projection directions one fromanother relative to a reference plane that is parallel to the projectiondirections.

According to further aspects of the present disclosure, A cable fixationassembly comprises: a cable fixation body, including a jacket clampportion; and a jacket clamp support pivotally coupled with a hinge tothe cable fixation body at the jacket clamp portion.

A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in thedescription that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individualfeatures and to combinations of features. It is to be understood thatboth the foregoing general description and the following detaileddescription are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictiveof the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosedherein are based.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of thepresent disclosure and therefore do not limit the scope of the presentdisclosure. The drawings are not to scale and are intended for use inconjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description.Embodiments of the present disclosure will hereinafter be described inconjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denotelike elements.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a telecommunications closure inaccordance with the present disclosure, the closure being in a closedconfiguration.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the housing pieces of the closure ofFIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a cable organizer in accordance withthe present disclosure, including a first configuration of cables.

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the cable organizer and cables ofFIG. 3 .

FIG. 5 is a top, planar, enlarged view of a portion of the cableorganizer and cables of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 6 is a top, planar view of the cable organizer and cables of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a top, perspective view of the cable organizer of FIG. 3 ,with an example configuration of connectorized drop cables.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged, perspective view of a portion of the cableorganizer and drop cables of FIG. 7 .

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a further portion of the cableorganizer and drop cables of FIG. 7 .

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the cable organizer ofFIGS. 3 and 7 including a portion of a cable fixation assembly inaccordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is further cross-sectional view of a portion of the cableorganizer of FIGS. 3 and 7 and a portion of a cable fixation assembly ofFIG. 10 .

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a cable fixation assembly according tothe present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a further cable fixation assemblyaccording to the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a portion of the cable fixationassemblies of FIGS. 12 and 13 .

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a further portion of the cable fixationassemblies of FIGS. 12 and 13 .

FIG. 16 is a further perspective view of the further portion of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a top view of the cable fixation assembly of FIG. 12 .

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the cable fixation assembly of FIG.12 along the line A-A in FIG. 17 .

FIG. 19 is a top view of the main support structure of the cableorganizer of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of a portion of the main support structureof FIG. 19 .

FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of a portion of the cable organizer of FIG.3 , including a cable fixation assembly and a pair of cables fixed tothe cable fixation assembly.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a subassembly of the cable fixationbody of the cable fixation assembly of FIG. 21 mounted to an examplebase plate assembly according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 23 is a further perspective view of the subassembly of FIG. 22 .

FIG. 24 is a further perspective of the subassembly of FIG. 22 .

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the subassembly of FIG. 22 in apre-assembled configuration.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the subassembly of FIG. 22 in apartially assembled configuration.

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the subassembly of FIG. 22 in anassembled configuration.

FIG. 28 is an exploded view of the base plate assembly of FIG. 22 .

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the base plate assembly of FIG. 22 .

FIG. 30 is a further perspective view of the base plate assembly of FIG.22 .

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the base plate assemblyof FIG. 22 mounted to the cable organizer of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 32 is a bottom view of the main support structure of the cableorganizer of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 33 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the main supportstructure of the cable organizer of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 34 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the organizer ofFIG. 3 including a further cable fixation assembly and a cable.

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along the line B-Bin FIG. 47 of a portion of the organizer, the cable fixation assemblyand the cable of FIG. 34 .

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a cable fixation body of the cablefixation assembly of FIG. 34 .

FIG. 37 is a further perspective view of the cable fixation body of FIG.36 .

FIG. 38 is a side view of the cable fixation body of FIG. 36 .

FIG. 39 is a further side view of the cable fixation body of FIG. 36 .

FIG. 40 is an exploded view of the cable fixation assembly of FIG. 34 .

FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the cable fixationassembly of FIG. 34 , including a cable strength member.

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the upper clamp body of the strengthmember fixation portion of the cable fixation assembly of FIG. 34 .

FIG. 43 is a further perspective view of the upper clamp body of FIG. 42.

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the lower clamp body of the strengthmember fixation portion of the cable fixation assembly of FIG. 34 .

FIG. 45 is a further perspective view of the lower clamp body of FIG. 44.

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a further cable fixation assemblyaccording to the present disclosure, including a cable.

FIG. 47 is a bottom planar view of the cable fixation assembly and thecable of FIG. 34 .

FIG. 48 is a further perspective view of the cable fixation assembly ofFIG. 46 .

FIG. 49 a perspective view of the strength member subassembly portion ofthe cable fixation assembly of FIG. 46 in a pre-clamped configuration.

FIG. 50 is a further perspective view of the strength member subassemblyportion of FIG. 46 in the pre-clamped configuration of FIG. 49 .

FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional view of the strength member subassemblyportion of FIG. 46 in the pre-clamped configuration of FIG. 49 .

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of the strength member subassembly portionof the cable fixation assembly of FIG. 46 in a clamped configuration.

FIG. 53 is a further perspective view of the strength member subassemblyportion of FIG. 46 in the clamped configuration of FIG. 52 .

FIG. 54 is a cross-sectional view of the strength member subassemblyportion of FIG. 46 in the clamped configuration of FIG. 52 .

FIG. 55 is an enlarged view of a portion of the strength member clampsubassembly portion of the cable fixation assembly of FIG. 46 .

FIG. 56 is a perspective view of a clamp body of the strength memberclamp subassembly of the cable fixation assembly of FIG. 46 .

FIG. 57 is a further perspective view of the clamp body of FIG. 56 .

FIG. 58 is a perspective view of a further example cable fixationassembly according to the present disclosure, including a cable.

FIG. 59 is a perspective view of the cable fixation body of the assemblyof FIG. 58 .

FIG. 60 is a further perspective view of the cable fixation body of FIG.59 .

FIG. 61 is a perspective view of the jacket clamp support of theassembly of FIG. 58 .

FIG. 62 is a further perspective view of the jacket clamp support ofFIG. 61 .

FIG. 63 is a perspective view of a further example cable fixationassembly according to the present disclosure, including a cable.

FIG. 64 is a further perspective view of the cable fixation assembly ofFIG. 62 .

FIG. 65 is a partially exploded view of the cable fixation assembly ofFIG. 63 .

FIG. 66 is a further partially exploded view of the cable fixationassembly of FIG. 63 .

FIG. 67 is a perspective view of a further example base plate formounting cable fixation bodies according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 68 is an enlarged view of the called-out region in FIG. 67 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detailwith reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numeralsrepresent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views.Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of theinvention, which is limited only by the scope of the claims attachedhereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification arenot intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the manypossible embodiments for the claimed invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2 a telecommunications closure 10 extends along alongitudinal axis 12 between a proximal end 14 and a distal end 16. Theclosure 10 extends along a transverse axis 18 between a first side 20and a second side 22. The closure 10 extends along a vertical axis 24between a top 26 and a bottom 28. The axes 12, 18 and 24 are mutuallyperpendicular, with the axes 12 and 18 defining a horizontal plane.

As used herein, terms such as proximal, distal, top, bottom, upper,lower, vertical, horizontal and so forth will be used with reference tothe axes 12, 18, and 24 of FIG. 1 and in relating the positions of onecomponent to another with respect to the full closure assembly of FIG. 1. These relative terms are for ease of description only, and do notlimit how the closure 10 or any individual component or combination ofcomponents, may be oriented in practice.

The closure 10 includes a first upper housing piece 30 and a secondlower housing piece 32 that cooperate (e.g., with hinges, clamps, etc.)to form a sealable and re-enterable closure volume 40. A perimeter sealelement 31 forms a seal about three sides of the closure volume 40 whenthe closure 10 is in a sealed and closed configuration.

The closure volume 40 is configured to house a cable organizer 34. Aninternal portion (not shown in FIGS. 1-2 ) of the cable organizer 34 ispositioned within the closure volume 40. An external portion 35 of thecable organizer 34 is positioned exterior to the closure volume 40, withthe cable organizer 34 extending through a proximally positioned opening36 defined between the proximal ends of the first and second housingpieces 30 and 32. Cables enter the closure volume 40 via the opening 36and sealed cable ports defined by the internal portion of the cableorganizer 34.

The cable organizer 34 is configured to accommodate relatively thickcables (such as feeder cables) entering the closure 10 via a lowerportion 38 of the cable organizer 34, and relatively thin cables (suchas drop cables) entering the closure via an upper portion 42 of thecable organizer 34.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-6 , a cable organizer (or organizer) 100 inaccordance with the present disclosure will be described. The cableorganizer 100 can cooperate with housing pieces of a closure such asdescribed above. For example, the cable organizer 100 can cooperate withthe housing pieces 30, 32 as described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and2 , an internal portion of the organizer being positioned in the closurevolume 40. Other than at the proximal side, the housing pieces 30-32 donot form another opening to the outside of the closure.

The organizer 100 extends along a longitudinal axis 102 from a proximalend 103 to a distal end 104, along a transverse axis 106 from a firstside 108 to a second side 110, and along a vertical axis 112 from a top114 to a bottom 116. The axes 102, 106 and 112 are mutuallyperpendicular, with the axes 102 and 106 defining a horizontal plane.The organizer includes an external portion 118 configured to bepositioned outside of a closure volume and an internal portion 120positioned distally from the external portion 118 and configured to bepositioned within a closure volume. In some examples the externalportion 118 and the internal portion 120 of the organizer are of unitaryconstruction. Alternatively, the external portion is constructedseparately and attached to the internal portion.

The organizer 100 is generally divided by one or more panels, walls, orother structures between an upper portion 122 and a lower portion 124.Some of these panels, walls and other structures form an integrated unitthat serves as a main support structure 111 of the organizer 100. Insome examples, the internal portion 120 of the organizer 100 correspondsto the main support structure 111, and the external portion 118 iscoupled to the main support structure 111. The organizer 100 defines oneor more channels and other guiding structures for guiding optical fibersbetween the upper and lower portions, such that an optical fiber from acable (e.g., a feeder cable) fixed in the lower portion can be opticallycoupled to an optical fiber of a cable (e.g., a drop cable) fixed in theupper portion.

The internal portion 120 includes in the upper portion 122 a cablefixation region 126 and a fiber management region 128 positioneddistally from the cable fixation region 126. The internal portion 120also includes in the lower portion 124 a cable fixation region 130 and afiber management region 132 positioned distally from the cable fixationregion 130. The cable fixation regions 126 and 130 are generallyvertically aligned. The fiber management regions 128 and 132 aregenerally vertically aligned.

The lower fiber management region 132 is partially defined by a sidewall 134 and a horizontal downward facing surface 136 of a panel 138,together forming a basket. The basket of the lower fiber managementregion 132 can serve as a storage area for looped fiber from the feedercables 50. The looped fiber can be in the form of loose fibers, loosefibers protected in groups by a common sheath, fiber ribbons, etc.Fibers can be guided from the lower fiber management region 132 to theupper fiber management region where they can be further managed, e.g.,with splices, connectors and adapters, splitters, wave divisionmultiplexors, etc.

The upper fiber management region 128 includes an upward facinghorizontal surface 140 of the panel 138. The surface 140 definesmounting structures 142 for mounting optical fiber managementcomponents, such as splitter holders and/or splice holders. Fiber guides144 and retainers 146 are also provided in the upper fiber managementregion 128 and retain fibers 64 within the upper fiber management region128 while enabling compliance with bend radius limitations of theoptical fibers 64.

The upper fiber management region 128 can also include one or more banks150 of fiber optic adapters 152. The adapters 152 can be used tooptically connect connectorized drop cables 60 having connectors 62 withconnectorized fibers 64 having connectors 66 terminating the fibers 64.In this example, one bank 150 of adapters 152 is provided. In otherexamples, zero or two banks of adapters can be provided aligned with oneanother parallel to the transverse axis 106. Where adapters are notlongitudinally aligned with entering cables, non-connectorized dropcables 61 can be fixed in the upper cable fixation region 126 and theirfibers 57 managed in the upper fiber management region 128. Thus, theupper region of the organizer 100 can accommodate connectorized dropcables, non-connectorized drop cables, or a combination of connectorizedand non-connectorized drop cables. Other cable types and configurationscan also be accommodated and managed at the cable fixation region 126.In alternative examples, the adapters, or non-functional receptaclesthat behave like one-sided adapters, can serve as parking or storage forthe connectors 62 or the connectors 66 until an active fiber opticconnection is needed.

The upper cable fixation region 126 and the lower cable fixation region130 are separated by a wall 154. The wall includes an upward facinghorizontal surface 156 and a downward facing horizontal surface 158(FIG. 32 ). The surfaces 156 and 158 can support cable fixationassemblies as will be described in greater detail below.

Positioned proximally of the cable fixation regions 126 and 130 is aseal region 160 of the organizer 100. The seal region 160 includes aplurality of dividers 162 and 164 in the upper portion 122 and the lowerportion 124, respectively, of the organizer 100. The dividers 162 defineopenings 166 (FIG. 7 ) through which connectorized drop cables 60 andnon-connectorized drop cables 61 enter the closure. The dividers 164define openings 173 (FIG. 33 ) through which feeder cables 50 or thelike enter the closure. The dividers 162 and 164 are provided in tworows 167 and 168 in the upper portion 122 spaced apart longitudinallyfrom each other and two rows 170 and 172 in the lower portion 124 spacedapart longitudinally from each other. In the space between rows ofdividers there are placed seal blocks 174. The seal blocks 174 formseals around the cables 50, 60, and 61 entering the closure. The sealblocks 174 also serve to seal off the proximal opening of the closuredefined between the housing pieces of the closure.

Referring to FIGS. 7-9 , the cable fixation region 126 fixes cablesentering the closure through four cable ports defined by the seal blocks174. The fixed cables shown include a total of six connectorized dropcables 60. The connectors 62 of two of the cables are not shown to aidillustration. Two of the cable ports receive just one connectorized dropcable 60 a, 60 b. Each of the other two ports receives a pair ofvertically offset drop cables 60 c and 60 d. The outer jackets of thecables 60 extend longitudinally to the connectors 62. An upper set (notshown) of adapters 152 can be provided above the bank 150 to receiveconnectors of the upper connectorized drop cables 60 d.

The number of drop cables extending through the four ports can depend onthe particular fiber management needs of the closure. For example, eachport can accommodate a single drop cable or two drop cables. Inaddition, one or more of the ports can be plugged and not receive anydrop cable. Whatever the configuration of drop cables entering the fourports at the cable fixation region 126, those cables must be affixed,and are preferably affixed near the seal blocks to minimize compromisingof the seal due to lateral load on the cables. In addition, due to thelack of cable slack between the adapters 152 and the seal blocks 174,the cables are appropriately affixed only after their connectors areinstalled on the adapters which have been pre-mounted to the mainsupport structure. In addition, it is desirable that the cable fixationcomponents be readily modified or adjusted to accommodate modificationsto the types and number of cables. Thus, for example, it is desirablethat the cable fixation components be readily configured to accommodatea single cable or an arrangement of two vertically offset cables, or tobe uninstalled to enable fixation of a different type of cable, such asa non-connectorized drop cable.

Referring to FIGS. 7-18 , the cable fixation assembly 200 can provideone or more of these desirable features. The cable fixation assembly 200includes a first cable fixation body 202 that is configured to span twoadjacent cable ports and to support a cable extending through each ofthe adjacent ports. In some examples, the cable fixation body 202 ismade from pressed metal. In some examples, the cable fixation body 202is made from a polymeric material. The first cable fixation body 202includes a pair of mounting tabs 204 that are downwardly insertable intomounting slots 206 located between the dividers 162 of the main supportstructure 111. To provide stability, tabs 204 are longitudinally offsetsuch that one of the tabs 204 can be inserted in a slot 206, and theother 240 abuts a distally facing surface 163 of a divider 162 or a wallthat forms a divider 162 (FIG. 20 ), such that the two tabs 204essentially straddle a longitudinal wall thickness 165 adjacent adivider 162 (FIG. 20 ). The sizing and materials of the mounting tabs204 and the slots 206 can be selected to provide for a frictional fittherebetween. The cable fixation body 202 also includes a U-shapedretaining bracket 209 configured to engage a divider 162 and preventdistal movement of an installed cable fixation body 202. With the tabs204 installed about the wall thickness 165 and the retaining bracket 209engaging a divider 162, the cable fixation body 202 is mounted to themain support structure 111.

Prior to mounting the cable fixation body 202 to the main supportstructure 111, one or two of the connectorized drop cables 60, whichhave already been connected to adapters, are clamped to the cablefixation body 202. Optionally, and depending on the diameter of thecable 60, the portion of the outer jacket of the cable 60 that is to beclamped to the main cable fixation body 202 is first wrapped in asubstrate, such as a foam or tape to increase the diameter at theclamping location and thereby facilitate clamping. The cable 60 isplaced on the first cable support wall 208 of the cable fixation body202. The body 202 also includes a second cable support wall 212transversely offset from the cable support wall 208, the support walls208 and 212 being connected by base portion 214 from which also extendthe mounting tabs 204, 206. When installed, the base portion 214straddles one of the dividers 162. The cable 60 is then clamped to thecable support wall 208 with one or more clamps, such as zip ties 80. Thezip tie or zip ties 80 are looped around the cable 60 and around thecorresponding T-shaped tab 210 that is an integral part of the cablefixation body 202 and extends distally from the base 214. Optionally, asecond drop cable 60 that passes through an adjacent port of the closurecan be clamped in a similar fashion to the second cable support wall212. Alternatively the lower level drop cable or drop cables caninstead, or in addition, be clamped to the external portion 118 that isattached to the main structural support 111 and, particularly, toT-shaped tabs 234 of an external frame 232 of the external portion 118that is configured to be positioned proximally from the seal blocks 174and external to the closure volume.

If either or both of the closure ports served by the cable fixation body202 is/are to receive a second cable vertically offset above the firstcable, one or two upper cable fixation bodies 216 are clipped onto thefirst cable fixation body 202. In FIG. 12 , two upper cable fixationbodies 216 are clipped onto support arms 218, 220 of the cable fixationbody 202. In FIG. 13 , just one upper cable fixation body 216 has beenclipped onto the cable fixation body 202 at the support arm 220.

In some examples, the cable fixation body 216 is a plastic part thatclips to the cable fixation body 202, which is a metal part.

The cable fixation body 216 includes a coupling portion 222, a cablesupport wall 224 and a seal anchor 226. The coupling portion 222includes resilient clip arms 228 with latches 229 that lockingly clip tothe corresponding support arm 218, 220 of the cable fixation body 202.By flexing the clip arms 228 outward, the cable fixation body 216 can beeasily detached from the cable fixation body 202 to convert to a singlecable fixation arrangement. The cable support wall 224 supports a cablevertically offset above a cable supported by the corresponding cablesupport wall 208, 212 below. The seal anchor 226 includes a frame 233defining an opening 235 to which can be anchored a sealing componentsuch as a gel piece or a gel pad 229 (schematically represented in FIG.12 ). The seal anchor 226 projects proximally from the support wall 224and is configured to be positioned within the seal blocks of theorganizer to enhance the seal between the two vertically offset cablese.g., by filling a gap between the two vertically offset cables.

To clamp a cable to the cable fixation body 216, in some examples one ormore clamps (e.g., zip ties 80) are tightened around the upper cable andthe cable fixation body 216 with the strap portion of the zip tie beingguided through the guide notches 230 defined by the cable fixation body216 and the recesses 231. Slits 239 are provided in the cable supportwall 224. The slits 239 are vertically aligned with the recesses 231 andthe guide notches 230. Zip ties can be inserted through the slits 239,and through the recesses 231 and guide notches 230 to clamp a cable tothe cable support wall 224. The slits 239 are transversely offset fromeach other, which can promote different zip tie insertion directions forthe two ties that enter the slits, which can provide for a tighterclamping force on the upper cable. Such a clamping arrangement is housedwithin the closure volume together with the clamping arrangement of thelower cables. Alternatively (or in addition), the upper cables can beclamped outside the closure volume to the external portion 118 of themain structural support 111 and, particularly, to T-shaped tabs 234 ofan external frame 232 of the external portion 118 that is configured tobe positioned proximally from the seal blocks 174 and external to theclosure volume. By positioning the clamping arrangement of the lowercables inside the closure volume and the clamping arrangement of theupper cables outside the closure volume, space inside the closure volumecan be more effectively allocated.

In some examples, to affix a pair of connectorized cables in avertically offset arrangement through a single port of the closure, theconnectors are installed in adapters 152, following which one of thecables is clamped to the cable fixation body 202 or to the cable supportstructure external to the closure volume, following which the cablefixation body 216 is coupled to the cable fixation body 202, followingwhich the cable fixation body 202 is mounted to the main supportstructure 111, following which the second cable is clamped to the cablefixation body 216 or to the cable support structure external to theclosure volume. In alternative examples, both cables can be clampedbefore the cable fixation body 202 is mounted to the main supportstructure 111. In alternative examples, the second connector isinstalled in the corresponding adapter after the first cable is clampedto the cable fixation body 202.

Referring now to FIGS. 19-31 , a further cable fixation assembly 300that can be mounted at the cable fixation region 126 of the upperportion 122 of the main support structure 111 of the organizer 100 willbe described. The cable fixation assembly 300 is configured to clamp(e.g., with zip ties 80) non-connectorized drop cables 61 whose outerjackets have had their distal portions stripped, exposing the opticalfiber(s) 57 and strength yarn 67. It should be appreciated that aportion of the cable fixation region 126 can support connectorized cablefixation while another portion of the cable fixation region 126 supportsnon-connectorized cable fixation, and the cable fixation assembliesemployed can be adjusted over time as dictated by fiber routing needs.That is, the main support structure 111 is configured to supportmultiple different configurations of cables and cable fixationassemblies.

The upper horizontal surface (or top horizontal surface) 156 isconfigured to lockingly mount a slotted base plate subassembly 302. Theslotted base plate subassembly 302 is configured to lockingly mount oneor more cable fixation bodies 304, as well as other cable fixationbodies with similar mounting portions that can engage the slots of thebase plate subassembly as described below. The lower horizontal surface158 is configured to lockingly mount one or more cable fixation bodieswith mounting portion configurations that are different from those ofthe first cable fixation bodies, as will described in greater detailbelow. A base plate subassembly is not required for the cable fixationbody fixation to the lower surface 158. The cables fixed at the lowersurface 158 are generally of relatively large diameter, such as feedercables. At the upper surface 156, the cables to be fixed are generallyof relatively small diameter, such as drop cables, and the base platesubassembly 302 serves as a vertical spacer to vertically align thecorresponding fixed cables with the appropriate cable port.

At or defined by the upper surface 156 are interfacing structures. Theinterfacing structures are configured to lockingly mount the base platesubassemblies 302. The interfacing structures include proximal anddistal first mechanical stops 310 and 312 that define transverselyelongate slots 314 and 316 above the upper surface 156. The proximal anddistal mechanical stops 310 and 312 are aligned parallel to thelongitudinal axis 12. The slots 314 and 316 are adapted to horizontallyreceive proximally sliding foot members 318 and 320 of the base platesubassembly 302. Additional slots 322 are defined by the wall 154 andextend downward from the upper horizontal surface 156. The slots 322 areconfigured to vertically receive downwardly inserting arm portions of aclip 324 of the base plate subassembly 302.

The base plate subassembly 302 includes a plate member (or plate) 330including a plurality of vertically extending through slots 332. Thethrough slots 332 are sized and positioned on the plate 330 to receivehooked members 334 of the cable fixation body 336. The cable fixationbody 336 is configured to affix a pair of jacketed portions ofnon-connectorized drop cables 61. The cable fixation body 336 furtherincludes strength member anchors 338 about which strength yarn 67 fromthe drop cables 61 can be looped and tied off for enhanced overallfixation of the cables.

The plate member 330 defines a cavity 340 the extends through an entirevertical thickness of the plate member 330 and is open at the topsurface 342 and the bottom surface 344 of the plate member 330. Withinthe vertical thickness of the plate member 330, a bar 346 spans atransverse dimension of the cavity 340.

The subassembly 302 includes the clip 324. The clip 324 is configured tosnappingly engage the bar 346 such that the flexibly resilient clip arms348 grasp the bar 346 and lower portions of the clip arms 348 extendbelow the bar and below the bottom surface 344 of the plate member andinto the slot 322, thereby restricting horizontal movement of the platemember 330 relative to the upper surface 156, while engagement of thefoot members 318 and 320 with the slots 314 and 316 restricts upwardmovement of the plate member 330 relative to the upper surface 156, suchthat the plate member 330 is locked to the main support structure 111.

The subassembly also includes a spring element 350 coupled to the platemember 330. As shown in the installation progression of the cablefixation body 336 to the plate member 330 in FIGS. 25, 26 and 27 , thespring element 350 cooperates with one of the through slots 332 to lockthe hooked members 334 of the cable fixation body 336 to the platemember 330. As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 , one of the hooked member 334presses down the free end 352 of the spring element 350 until the hookedmember 334 vertically clears the vertical thickness of the plate member330, at which point the cable fixation body 336 is slid proximally,causing the free end 352 of the spring element 350 to be released andreturn to its relaxed positioned within the through slot in which itrestricts distal movement of the hook member 334, thereby locking thecable fixation body 336 to the plate member 330. To remove the cablefixation body 336 from the plate member 330, the spring element 350 canbe flexed downward allowing the hooked member 334 to slide distally andbe lifted out of the through slot. A fixed end 354 of the spring element350 is captured by a pocket 356 defined by the plate member 330 at thebottom of the plate member 330.

The foot member 318 (and, optionally also the foot member 320) spans anentire transverse width of the plate member 330, thereby providingenhanced coupling of the plate member 330 to the main support structure111. In addition, the foot member 318 is the proximal-most end of theplate member 330.

It can be appreciated that the foregoing features of the subassembly 302and main support structure 111 allow for an easily installable andde-installable plate assembly with respect to the main support structure111, as well as a secure coupling of the subassembly 302 to the mainsupport structure 111.

Referring now to FIGS. 32-39 , a further cable fixation assembly 400that can be mounted at the cable fixation region 130 of the lowerportion 124 of the main support structure 111 of the organizer 100 willbe described. The cable fixation assembly 400 is configured to clamp asingle non-connectorized drop cable 50 (e.g., a feeder cable) whoseouter jacket has had its distal portion stripped, exposing the opticalfiber(s) 79 and a rigid strength rod 69.

At or defined by the lower (or bottom) surface 158 of the wall 154 areinterfacing structures for lockingly mounting one or more cable fixationbodies 402. The interfacing structures include proximal and distalmechanical stops 404 and 406 positioned below the lower horizontalsurface 158. The stops 404 and 406 define slots 408 and 410 verticallypositioned between the stops 404, 406 and the lower horizontal surface158. The stops 404 and 406 area aligned parallel to the longitudinalaxis 12. The slots 408 and 410 are configured to horizontally (in aproximal sliding direction) receive foot members 412 and 414 of thecable fixation body 402 to restrict downward vertical separation of thecable fixation body 402 from the lower surface 158.

Fins 420 project downwardly from the lower surface 158 and are elongateparallel to the longitudinal axis 12. A fin 420 is configured to engagea chamfered and longitudinally elongate fin slot 422 of the cablefixation body 402 to resist transverse movement of the cable fixationbody 402 relative to the lower surface 158. Flexible members 424positioned distally of the distal mechanical stops 406 are positionedand configured to resist distal movement of the cable fixation body 402relative to the lower surface 158. The flexibly resilient member 424 canbe resiliently flexed downward or upward to install the cable fixationbody 402 on the main support structure 111, and then released to itsrelaxed position shown in which it blocks distal movement of the cablefixation body 402.

The foot member 412 is positioned at a proximal-most end of the mainbody.

The lower surface 158 includes a set of the interfacing structures percable port or corresponding opening between dividers 164, such thatplurality of the cable fixation bodies 402 (in this example, four suchcable fixation bodies 402) and cables 50 can be affixed at the lowersurface 158.

It can be appreciated that the foregoing features of the subassembly 400allow for an easily installable and de-installable cable fixation bodydirectly to the main support structure 111, as well as a secure couplingof the cable fixation body 402 to the main support structure 111.

The main support structure 111 also includes a block 180 projectingdownward from the lower surface 158 of the wall 154. The block 180 canbe an integrally formed (e.g., in a mold) component of the main supportstructure 111. The block 180 is configured to support and engage a body430 of an electrical grounding assembly 432 (FIG. 4 ). The body 430 ofthe electrical grounding assembly 432 can be fastened to the block 180.The electrical grounding assembly 432 can include a grounding rod 434(FIG. 4 ) extending proximally from the body 430 to an exterior of theclosure. The cable fixation bodies 402 can be made from an electricallyconductive material and conductively linked via a grounding conductorsecured to the grounding post 440 (e.g., by crimp sleeve) at one end ofthe cable fixation body 402, and at the grounding body 430 (e.g., with athreaded fastener) at the end other end of the grounding conductor, inorder to electrically ground the cable clamped to the cable fixationbody 402. To this end, a conductive path can be established from one ormore conductive components of the cable 50 to the grounding post 440.Such conductive cable components can include, e.g., the strength rod 69,which can metallic, or a cylindrical conductive shield that ispositioned within the cable's outer jacket and around the fibers 79. Theconductive path from the conductive shield can include a metallic cableclamp 450 that contacts the conductive shield. The conductive path fromthe strength rod can include a strength rod fixation assembly that isfastened to the cable fixation body 402.

Referring now to FIGS. 32-45 , a cable fixation assembly 500 thatincludes the cable fixation body 402 will be described.

The cable fixation body 402 includes a main body 460 defining a cablesupport surface 462. The cable fixation body 402 includes a cable jacketfixation portion 464 and a strength member fixation portion 466. Thecable jacket fixation portion 464 is configured to couple to a cablejacket clamp (e.g., a hose clamp having a strap portion that passesthrough slots 468) that is clamping a cable to the cable support surface460.

The strength member fixation portion 466 includes a pair of tracks 470on either side of a recess 472. The tracks 470 and the recess 472 areelongate parallel to the transverse axis.

The assembly 500 includes a strength member fixation subassembly 474 foranchoring a rigid strength rod, strength yarn (e.g., aramid yarn), orboth a rod and yarn. The subassembly 474 includes an upper strengthmember clamp body 476 defining opposing shoulders 478 configured tocouple to and slide along the tracks 470 to adjust a transverse positionof the strength member fixation subassembly 474. The subassembly 474also includes a lower strength member clamp body 480 that includes apress pin 482. Interior threads 484 of the lower strength member clampbody 480 cooperate with exterior threads 486 of the upper strengthmember clamp body 476 to allow rotational advancement of the lower clampbody towards the upper clamp body.

A set screw 488 is threadably received in a hole 490 of the upper clampbody 476. The set screw 488 is used to set the transverse position ofthe upper clamp body 476 relative to the tracks 470. That is, the setscrew 488 can be rotated to dig into the upward facing surface 492 ofthe recess 472 at the desired transverse position.

The upper clamp body 476 includes a channel 494 defined by two walls496, 498. The strength rod 69 of the cable 50 is received in the channel494 above the set screw 488 and the corresponding hole 490.

The subassembly 474 also includes a press plate 510 positioned directlyabove the strength rod and configured to complement the cross-sectionalhorizontal shape of the upper clamp body 476.

The lower strength member clamp body 480 is threadably screwed onto theupper clamp body 476, causing the press pin 482 to press on theunderside of the press plate 510 and thereby anchor the strength rod 69within the channel 494.

The transverse slidable cooperation between the upper clamp body 476 andthe tracks 470 can advantageously allow for improved longitudinalalignment of the strength member fixation subassembly 474 for strengthrods of different sized cables.

Referring now to FIGS. 46 and 48-57 , a further example cable fixationassembly 600 is shown. The assembly 600 includes a hose clamp 602 thatis clamping an outer jacket of a cable 50 to a main cable fixation body604. The cable 50 includes a strength rod 69.

The assembly 600 includes a strength member subassembly 606 that canadvantageously provide a strong fixation of the rod 69 with an easilyadjustable magnitude of clamping or fixation force on the rod 69.

The following description will presume on orientation of the assembly600 based on its mounting to the lower surface 158 of the wall 154 ofthe main support structure 111 in the same manner as the mounting of thecable fixation body 402 thereto as described above.

The subassembly 606 includes a first clamp body 608, which can beunitarily constructed with the cable fixation body 604, or alternativelyfastened thereto. The clamp body 608 includes a pair of transverselyspaced guide ramps 612, 614 inclined downward as the guide ramps 612,614 extend distally. The ramps 612, 614 define a substantiallytriangular shaped cavity 610 positioned therebetween that can receive aportion of the second clamp body 618, providing additional mechanicalengagement between the clamp bodies 608 and 618.

The clamp body 608 includes a first clamp surface 616 positioned belowthe ramps 612, 614.

The second clamp body defines a second clamp surface 620 flanked bytransversely spaced apart vertical walls 640, 642. The second clamp body618 is configured to couple to and slide distally down the ramps 612,614 to press and clamp the strength rod 69 between the clamp surfaces616 and 620. The clamp body 618 includes transversely spaced part angledshoulders 644, 646 that engage the ramps 612, 614 for sliding the clampbody 608 up and down the ramps.

The subassembly 606 includes a screw 622 that longitudinally extendsthrough a vertically elongated slot 624 that permits a limited verticalrange of motion for the screw 622 within the elongated slot 624. Thesecond clamp body 618 is configured to advance down the ramps 612, 614by rotating action of the screw 622 as the screw 622 threadably engagesa hole 627 in the second clamp body. As the second clamp body 618advances down the ramps distally upon rotating action of the screw 622,the screw 622 moves downward (in the direction 650) in the slot 624(from the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 49-51 to the configurationillustrated in FIGS. 52-54 ), vertically holding the second body 618 asit moves toward the first clamp surface 616 to clamp the strength rod 69with the desired force. To release the strength rod, the screw 622 canbe rotated in the opposite direction to push the clamp body 618 up theramps, causing the clamp surfaces 616, 620 to release the strength rod69.

Referring now to FIGS. 58-62 , a further example cable fixation assembly700 is shown. In FIG. 58 , the assembly 700 is fixing a cable 702. Theassembly extends from a proximal end 704 to a distal end 706 along anaxis 708. The cable fixation assembly 700 includes features similar toone or more other cable fixation assemblies described herein, and thefollowing discussion will be limited primarily to features of theassembly 700 that do not overlap with one or more other cable fixationassemblies described herein.

The cable fixation assembly 700 includes a cable fixation body 710, acable fixation portion 712, and a strength member fixation portion 714.

The cable fixation portion 712 includes a portion of the body 710, twocable jacket clamps 716 (e.g., hose clamps), and a jacket clamp support718.

The body 710 is configured to mount to one or more of the plates orplate members described herein.

The cable fixation portion 712 is configured to secure a relativelythick (in dimension transverse to the axis 708) cable, such as the cable702. Due to the heft of such thick cables, multiple hose clamps 716 areused to clamp the cable jacket 703 to the body 710. In addition, forfurther robustness of the clamping of the jacket 703, the jacket clampsupport 718 is provided.

The jacket clamp support 718 includes a curved arm 720, a clamp portion722, and a hinge pin 724. The clamp portion 722 includes teeth 726configured to dig into the cable jacket 703. The teeth 726 cansubstantially oppose the teeth 730 of the body 710, which perform thesame function as the teeth 726 on the other side of the cable 702. Thebody includes a socket 728 configured to pivotally receive the hinge pin724 such that the support 718 can pivot about a pivot axis 731 that isparallel to the axis 708. A notch 732 receives a rib 734 of the curvedarm 720 and acts a pivot stop for the support 718.

Pivoting about axis 731 by the support 718 allows the support 718 to beadjusted to different cable thicknesses. The configuration of thesupport 718 distributes the clamping force of the cable clamps 716 tomore securely clamp the cable 702. In some examples, the support 718 isconstructed of electrically conductive material (e.g., metal).

Referring to FIGS. 63-66 , a further example cable fixation assembly 800is shown. In FIG. 63 , the assembly 800 is fixing a cable 802. Theassembly extends from a proximal end 804 to a distal end 806 along anaxis 808. The assembly 800 extends vertically along an axis 809 that isperpendicular to the axis 808. The cable fixation assembly 800 includesfeatures similar to one or more other cable fixation assembliesdescribed herein, and the following discussion will be limited primarilyto features of the assembly 800 that do not overlap with one or moreother cable fixation assemblies described herein.

The cable fixation assembly 800 includes a cable fixation body 810, acable fixation portion 812, and a strength member fixation portion 814.

An electrically conductive connector 816 is frictionally fit or crimpedto the grounding post 818. A grounding conductor can be secured to theconnector 816.

The body 810 includes a yarn post arrangement 820 that includes aplurality of posts. The arrangement 820 includes posts 822, 824, 826,and 828. Each post projects from a fixed end of the post to a free endof the post. The configuration of the arrangement 820 can support aplurality of different winding configurations for strength yarn 830 ofthe cable 802. Winding the strength yarn around the posts of thearrangement 820 can, advantageously, secure the yarn without pulling onit tightly. That is, due to the winding configuration, the yarn is fixedwithout having to pull it detrimentally tightly.

An example winding configuration of the yarn 830 using the arrangement820 is shown in FIG. 63 . The yarn 830 extends from the jacketed portionof the cable 802, and is then routed over the post 822, then under thepost 824, then behind the post 828 while above the post 826, then behindthe post 826, then behind the post 824, then behind the post 822 andthen to the cable clamp 832, which can secure a free end portion of theyarn 830 to the body 810 and/or the cable jacket 803. Alternativerouting configurations for the yarn 830 are possible using thearrangement 820.

The posts of the arrangement 820 project to their respective free endsin three different directions relative to a plane defined by the axes808 and 809. The post 828 projects upward and parallel to the axis 809.The posts 826 and 824 project downward and parallel to the axis 809. Thepost 822 projects parallel to the axis 808. Having the posts project indifferent directions can accommodate yarn routing configurations havingthe benefits described above.

In some examples, all of the posts project to their free ends in asingle plane, e.g., a plane parallel to a plane defined by the axes 808and 809.

The assembly 800 includes a strength member fixation subassembly 874 foranchoring a rigid strength rod, strength yarn (e.g., aramid yarn), orboth a rod and yarn. As with the subassembly 474 described above, thesubassembly 874 can be selectively included in the overall assembly.Depending on the cable and strength member characteristics, thesubassembly 874 may not be needed or appropriate and can beadvantageously dispensed with entirely in some use applications, due tothe manner in which it mounts to the body 810.

The subassembly 874 includes a lower strength member clamp body 876defining opposing shoulders 878 configured to couple to and slide alongthe tracks 870 to adjust a transverse position of the strength memberfixation subassembly 874. The subassembly 874 also includes an upperstrength member clamp body 880 that includes a press pin 882. Interiorthreads of the upper strength member clamp body 880 cooperate withexterior threads of the lower strength member clamp body 876 to allowrotational advancement of the upper clamp body towards the lower clampbody.

The transverse position (perpendicular of the lower clamp body 876) canbe set relative to the tracks 870 by clamping of a cable strength rod805 in the subassembly 874.

The lower clamp body 876 includes a channel 894. The strength rod 805 ofthe cable 802 is received in the channel 894.

The subassembly 874 also includes a press block 840 having a unitarilyintegrated press plate 842. The press block 840 is positioned in thechannel 894 such that the press plate 842 is positioned directly abovethe strength rod 805.

The upper strength member clamp body 880 is threadably screwed onto thelower clamp body 876, causing the press pin 882 and other portions ofthe upper clamp body 880 to press on the upper side of the press plate842 and thereby anchor the strength rod 805 within the channel 894. Theblock 840 is a robust part that can resist deformation by the clampingaction of the clamping bodies above and below it. The block 840 isshaped and configured to be positioned within a cavity 899 defined bythe upper strength member clamp body 880.

The transverse slidable cooperation between the lower clamp body 876 andthe tracks 870 can advantageously allow for improved longitudinalalignment of the strength member fixation subassembly 874 for strengthrods of different cables.

Referring to FIGS. 67 and 68 , a further example base plate 900 formounting cable fixation bodies is shown. FIG. 68 is an enlarged view ofthe called out portion A of FIG. 67 .

The base plate 900 includes features similar to one or more other baseplate assemblies and members described herein, and the followingdiscussion will be limited primarily to features of the base plate 900that do not overlap with one or more base plate assemblies.

Spring elements 904 can be unitarily integrated with the plate member902. The spring elements 904 cooperate with the corresponding throughslots 906 to lock hooked members of cable fixation bodies to the platemember 902, as described herein. To install and remove a cable fixationbody, one or more of its hooked members must clear the free end 910 ofthe corresponding spring element(s) 904. To do this, the free ends 910of the corresponding spring element(s) 904 are flexed downward toward awall 908 that is positioned within the corresponding through slot 906.The wall(s) 908 can be unitarily integrated with the plate member 902.The wall(s) 908 can advantageously serve as a flexion stop that canminimize (e.g., inhibit) over flexing of the flex spring elements 904when installing and removing cable fixation bodies to or from the platemember 902, thereby minimizing unwanted breakage or loss of resiliencyover time of the spring elements 904.

From the foregoing detailed description, it will be evident thatmodifications and variations can be made in the devices of thedisclosure without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cable fixation assembly, comprising: a firstcable fixation body mountable at a first cable entry opening defined bya main support structure of a telecommunications closure, the firstcable fixation body including a first cable support wall and a firstmounting member; and a second cable fixation body couplable to themounting member, the second cable fixation body including a second cablesupport wall, wherein when the first cable fixation body is coupled tothe main support structure and the second cable fixation body is coupledto the first mounting member of the first cable fixation body, the firstand second cable support walls are positioned to support a pair ofcables passing through the first cable entry opening in a verticallyoffset arrangement.
 2. The cable fixation assembly of claim 1, whereinthe second cable fixation body includes a projection extending from thesecond cable support wall, the projection being configured to support asealing component positioned between a pair of cables in a verticallyoffset arrangement supported by the first and second cable supportwalls.
 3. The cable fixation assembly of claim 2, wherein the projectiondefines an opening for anchoring a sealing component to the projection.4. The cable fixation assembly of any of claims 1-3, wherein the secondcable fixation body includes one or more pairs of resilient clip armsconfigured to clip around the mounting member of the first cablefixation body to mount the second cable fixation body to the first cablefixation body.
 5. The cable fixation assembly of claim 4, wherein theone or more pairs of clip arms and the second cable support wall are ofunitary construction.
 6. The cable fixation assembly of any of claims1-5, wherein the first cable fixation assembly includes a T-shaped tababout which a portion of a cable jacket clamp can be secured.
 7. Thecable fixation assembly of any of claims 1-6, wherein the first cablefixation body includes a third cable support wall and a second mountingmember of unitary construction with the first cable support wall and thefirst mounting member, the third cable support wall and the secondmounting member being horizontally spaced from the first cable supportwall and the first mounting member; and wherein when the first cablefixation body is mounted to the main support structure, the first cablesupport wall is positioned at the first cable entry opening, and thethird cable support wall is positioned at a second cable entry openingdefined by the main support structure.
 8. The cable fixation assembly ofclaim 7, further comprising a third cable fixation body of identicalconstruction to the second cable fixation body and mountable to thesecond mounting member, the second cable fixation body including afourth cable support wall, wherein when the first cable fixation body ismounted to the main support structure and the third cable fixation bodyis mounted to the second mounting member of the first cable fixationbody, the third and fourth cable support walls are positioned to supporta pair of cables passing through the second cable entry opening in avertically offset arrangement.
 9. The cable fixation assembly of claim8, wherein the first cable fixation body includes a base portionconfigured to straddle a divider of the main support structurepositioned between the first and second cable entry openings.
 10. Thecable fixation assembly of claim 9, wherein one or more mounting tabsextend downward from the base portion.
 11. The cable fixation assemblyof any of claims 1-9, wherein the first cable fixation body includes amounting tab configured to be inserted in a corresponding slot at a walldefining the first cable entry opening for mounting the first cablefixation body to the main support structure.
 12. The cable fixationassembly of claim 11, wherein the first cable fixation body includes aretaining bracket configured to engage a divider of the main supportstructure positioned between a pair of cable entry openings.
 13. Thecable fixation assembly of any of claims 1-12, further comprising: amain support structure to which the first cable support body is mounted,the first cable support body defining a plurality of openings, the firstand second cable support bodies extending through one of the openings; apair of vertically offset cables mounted to the first and second cablesupport bodies with a plurality of cable clamps engaging the first andsecond cables and the first and second cable support bodies; and asealing component coupled to the second cable support body andpositioned to seal a gap between the pair of vertically offset cables.14. A telecommunications closure, comprising: first and second housingpieces configured to cooperate to define a sealable and re-enterableinterior closure volume; and the cable fixation assembly of claim 13,the main support structure being at least partially positioned withinthe interior closure volume.
 15. A telecommunications closure,comprising: a pair of vertically offset cables extending through asingle opening defined by the closure between an exterior of the closureand an interior of the closure, wherein one of the cables is clampedwithin the interior of the closure to a cable fixation assemblyaccording to any of claims 1-13; and wherein the other of the cables isclamped to a structure of the closure on the exterior of the closure.16. A method of fixing a connectorized cable to a main support structureof a telecommunications closure, comprising: inserting a fiber opticconnector of the cable into a fiber optic adapter mounted to the mainsupport structure; clamping, subsequent to the inserting, an outerjacket of the cable to a cable fixation assembly according to claim 1 orto an external frame; and mounting, subsequent to the clamping, thecable fixation assembly to the main support structure.
 17. The method ofclaim 16, further comprising: inserting a fiber optic connector ofanother cable into another fiber optic adapter mounted to the mainsupport structure, and subsequently: clamping an outer jacket of theanother cable to the second cable fixation body; and mounting the secondcable fixation body to the first mounting member of the first cablefixation body.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the clamping theouter jacket of the another cable to the second cable fixation body isperformed before the mounting the second cable fixation body to thefirst mounting member of the first cable fixation body.
 19. The methodof claim 17, wherein the clamping the outer jacket of the another cableto the second cable fixation body is performed after the mounting thesecond cable fixation body to the first mounting member of the firstcable fixation body.
 20. A cable fixation assembly, comprising: a mainsupport structure configured to be positioned within an interior volumeof a telecommunications closure, the main support structure extendingfrom a proximal end to a distal end along a first axis, from a firstside to a second side along a second axis perpendicular to the firstaxis, and from a top to a bottom along a vertical axis that isperpendicular to the first and the second axes, the first and secondaxes defining a horizontal plane, the main support structure including awall dividing the main support structure into an upper region above anupper horizontal surface of the wall and a lower region below a lowerhorizontal surface of the wall, the upper horizontal surface facingupward and the lower horizontal surface facing downward, the upperhorizontal surface defining a first cable fixation area of the upperregion, the lower horizontal surface defining a second cable fixationarea of the lower region, wherein the upper horizontal surface isconfigured to lockingly mount a slotted base plate subassembly, theslotted base plate subassembly configured to lockingly mount one or morefirst cable fixation bodies; and wherein the lower horizontal surface isconfigured to lockingly mount one or more second cable fixation bodiesconfigured differently from the first cable fixation bodies.
 21. Thecable fixation assembly of claim 20, wherein the main support structuredefines a first fiber management region adjacent to, and distallypositioned from, the first cable fixation area; and wherein the mainsupport structure defines a second fiber management region adjacent to,and distally positioned from, the second cable fixation area.
 22. Thecable fixation assembly of claim 21, wherein the first and second cablefiber management regions are separated from each other by a dividerpanel of the main support structure, the divider panel being positioneddistally from the wall.
 23. The cable fixation assembly of claim 22,wherein the divider panel defines structures for mounting fibermanagement components selected from one or more of fiber optic spliceholders and fiber optic splitter holders.
 24. The cable fixationassembly of any of claim 22 or 23, wherein the main support structure isconfigured to store loops of fiber in the first and/or second fibermanagement regions.
 25. The cable fixation assembly of any of claims20-24, wherein the upper surface of the wall is configured to mount abank of fiber optic adapters.
 26. The cable fixation assembly of any ofclaims 20-25, wherein the main support structure includes a blockprojecting downward from the lower surface of the wall, the blockconfigured to engage a body of an electrical grounding assembly.
 27. Thecable fixation assembly of any of claims 20-26, wherein the main supportstructure includes first interfacing structures in the upper region forlockingly mounting the base plate assemblies; and wherein the mainsupport structure includes second interfacing structures in the lowerregion for lockingly mounting the one or more second cable fixationbodies.
 28. The cable fixation assembly of claim 27, wherein the firstinterfacing structures include: proximal and distal first mechanicalstops positioned above the upper horizontal surface and first slotsdefined by the first mechanical stops, the proximal and distal firstmechanical stops being aligned parallel to the first axis, the firstslots being configured to horizontally receive foot members of a baseplate assembly; and second slots defined by the wall and extendingdownward from the upper horizontal surface, the second slots beingconfigured to receive arm portions of a clip of the base plate assembly.29. The cable fixation assembly of any of claims 27-28, wherein thesecond interfacing structures include: proximal and distal secondmechanical stops positioned below the lower horizontal surface and thirdslots positioned between the second mechanical stops and the lowerhorizontal surface, the proximal and distal second mechanical stopsbeing aligned parallel to the first axis, the proximal and distalmechanical stops being configured to horizontally receive foot membersof the second cable fixation bodies; fins projecting downwardly from thelower surface and elongate parallel to the first axis, the fins beingconfigured to engage slots of the second cable fixation bodies to resistmovement the second cable fixation bodies parallel to the second axis;and one or more cantilever members positioned distally of the distalmechanical stops and configured to resist distal movement of the secondcable fixation bodies.
 30. A base plate assembly for mounting one ormore cable fixation bodies, the base plate assembly extending from aproximal end to a distal end along a first axis, from a first side to asecond side along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, andfrom a top to a bottom along a vertical axis that is perpendicular tothe first and the second axes, the first and second axes defining ahorizontal plane, the base plate assembly comprising: a plate memberincluding a plurality of through slots for receiving hooked members of acable fixation body, the plate member further defining a cavity; aspring element coupled to the plate member that cooperates with one ofthe through slots to lock the hooked members to the plate member; aproximally positioned foot member and a distally positioned foot membera bar spanning a dimension of the cavity; and a clip having a pair ofclip arms, the clip configured to snappingly engage the bar such that atleast one of the clip arms extends below the bar and below a bottomsurface of the plate member.
 31. The base plate assembly of claim 30,wherein at least one of the foot members spans an entire width of theplate member parallel to the second axis.
 32. The base plate assembly ofclaim 30 or 31, wherein the proximally positioned foot member ispositioned at a proximal-most end of the plate.
 33. An assembly,comprising: the base plate assembly of claim 31 and the cable fixationassembly of claim 28, wherein to lock the base plate assembly to themain support structure, the proximally positioned foot member is slidproximally into one of the first slots, the distally positioned footmember is slid distally into the other of the first slots, and the clipis subsequently snappingly engaged to the bar such that the clip armsdownwardly enter the second slots.
 34. A cable fixation body extendingfrom a proximal end to a distal end along a first axis, from a firstside to a second side along a second axis perpendicular to the firstaxis, and from a top to a bottom along a vertical axis that isperpendicular to the first and the second axes, the first and secondaxes defining a horizontal plane, the cable fixation body comprising: amain body defining a cable support surface and including a cable jacketfixation portion and a strength member fixation portion, the cablejacket fixation portion being configured to couple to a cable jacketclamp; a first foot member positioned at a proximal-most end of the mainbody; and a second foot member positioned distally from the first footmember, wherein the main body defines a fin slot open at the top of themain body and extending downwardly from the top of the main body.
 35. Asassembly, including: the cable fixation body of claim 34; and the cablefixation assembly of claim 29, wherein to lock the cable fixation bodyto the main support structure the first foot member is slid proximallyinto one of the first slots, the second foot member is slid proximallyinto the other of the first slots and the fin is received within the finslot.
 36. An assembly, comprising: a cable fixation body extending froma proximal end to a distal end along a first axis, from a first side toa second side along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, andfrom a top to a bottom along a vertical axis that is perpendicular tothe first and the second axes, the first and second axes defining ahorizontal plane, including: a main body defining a cable supportsurface and including a cable jacket fixation portion and a strengthmember fixation portion, the cable jacket fixation portion beingconfigured to couple to a cable jacket clamp, the main body defining apair of tracks on either side of a recess, the tracks and the recessbeing elongate parallel to the second axis; and a strength memberfixation subassembly including: a first strength member clamp bodyconfigured to couple to and slide along the tracks to adjust a positionof the strength member fixation subassembly relative to the second axis;a second strength member clamp body including a press pin; and a pressplate, the first and second strength member clamp bodies and the pressplate configured to cooperate to press a strength member of a fiberoptic cable between the first strength member clamp body and the pressplate with the press pin pressing the press plate toward the firststrength member clamp body.
 37. The assembly of claim 36, wherein thefirst strength member clamp body includes a channel configured toreceive a strength member of a fiber optic cable.
 38. The assembly ofclaim 36 or 37, wherein the second strength member clamp body threadablyengages the first strength member clamp body and is turned relativethereto to press the press pin against the press plate.
 39. The assemblyof any of claims 36-38, further comprising a set screw for setting aposition of the first strength member clamp body relative to the tracks.40. An assembly, comprising: a cable fixation body extending from aproximal end to a distal end along a first axis, from a first side to asecond side along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, andfrom a top to a bottom along a vertical axis that is perpendicular tothe first and the second axes, the first and second axes defining ahorizontal plane, including: a main body defining a cable supportsurface and including a cable jacket fixation portion and a strengthmember fixation portion, the cable jacket fixation portion beingconfigured to couple to a cable jacket clamp; and a strength memberfixation subassembly including: a first strength member clamp bodyincluding a ramp inclined downward as the ramp extends distally, and afirst clamp surface positioned below the ramp; and a second strengthmember clamp body including a second clamp surface, the second strengthmember clamp body being configured to couple to and slide distally downthe ramp to press a strength member of a fiber optic cable between thefirst and second clamp surfaces.
 41. The assembly of claim 40, whereinthe second strength member clamp body is configured to advance down theramp by rotating action of a screw that threadably engages the secondstrength member clamp body.
 42. The assembly of claim 41 wherein thescrew is received in a vertically elongate slot defined by the firststrength member clamp body, wherein the screw moves downward in the slotas the second strength member clamp body moves distally down the ramp.43. An assembly, comprising: a cable fixation body extending from aproximal end to a distal end along a first axis, from a first side to asecond side along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, andfrom a top to a bottom along a vertical axis that is perpendicular tothe first and the second axes, the first and second axes defining ahorizontal plane, including: a main body defining a cable supportsurface and including a cable jacket fixation portion and a strengthmember fixation portion, the cable jacket fixation portion beingconfigured to couple to a cable jacket clamp; and a strength memberfixation subassembly including: a strength member clamp body configuredto adjustably couple to the main body.
 44. The assembly of claim 43,wherein the strength member clamp body adjustably couples to a pair oftracks defined by the main body.
 45. The assembly of claim 43, whereinthe strength member clamp body adjustably couples to a ramp defined bythe main body, the ramp being inclined downward in a proximal to distaldirection.
 46. The assembly of any of claims 36-45, wherein the mainbody includes a grounding pin.
 47. The assembly of claim 46, wherein thegrounding pin is integrally formed with the main body and is elongateparallel to the first axis.
 48. The assembly of claim 46 or 47, whereinthe grounding pin is configured to couple to a grounding conductor thatis in electrically conductive contact with an electrical grounding body.49. A base plate assembly for mounting one or more cable fixationbodies, comprising: a plate member defining a plurality of through slotsconfigured to receive hooked members of a cable fixation body; a springelement positioned in one of the through slots configured to cooperatewith the one of the through slots to lock the hooked members to theplate member; and a stop wall positioned in the one of the through slotsto inhibit flexion of the spring element.
 50. The base plate assembly ofclaim 49, wherein the spring element, the stop wall and the plate memberare of uniform construction.
 51. A cable fixation assembly, comprising:a cable fixation body, including: a jacket clamp portion; and anarrangement of at least three posts for winding strength yarn of acable, each of the posts projecting from a fixed end of the post to afree end of the post, the at least three posts projecting to their freeends in mutually different projection directions one from anotherrelative to a reference plane that is parallel to the projectiondirections.
 52. The cable fixation assembly of claim 51, wherein two ofthe projection directions are opposite to each other.
 53. The cablefixation assembly of claim 52, wherein two of the projection directionsare perpendicular to each other.
 54. The cable fixation assembly ofclaim 51, wherein two of the projection directions are opposite to eachother and two of the projection directions are perpendicular to eachother.
 55. The cable fixation assembly of any of claims 51-54, includingfour of the posts.
 56. The cable fixation assembly of any of claims51-55, wherein all of the posts project to their free ends in a singleplane.
 57. A method, comprising: winding a strength yarn of a cablearound all of the posts of the arrangement of any of claims 51-56.
 58. Acable fixation assembly, comprising: a cable fixation body, including ajacket clamp portion; and a jacket clamp support pivotally coupled witha hinge to the cable fixation body at the jacket clamp portion.
 59. Thecable fixation assembly of claim 58, wherein the jacket clamp supportincludes a curved arm, a clamp portion, and a hinge pin, the clampportion including a plurality of teeth configured to dig into a jacketof a cable.
 60. The cable fixation assembly of claim 59, wherein theteeth substantially oppose other teeth of the cable fixation body. 61.The cable fixation assembly of any of claims 59-60, wherein the cablefixation body includes a socket configured to pivotally receive thehinge pin.
 62. The cable fixation assembly of any of claims 59-61,wherein the cable fixation body includes a notch configured to receivesa rib of the curved arm and act as a pivot stop for the jacket clampsupport.
 63. A method comprising: positioning a jacket of a cable at thejacket clamp portion of the cable fixation body of the cable fixationassembly of any of claims 58-62; pivoting the jacket clamp support toengage the jacket; and clamping the cable and the jacket clamp supportto the cable fixation body with at least one cable clamp.